By
Cherie Rowlands |
BIMCO has started drafting a new time charter party for the ro-pax ferry sector that will negate the need for amending the present general purpose forms and reduce the time taken in preparing the charterer.
The new contract, code-named Ropaxtime, is expected to be completed by November 2014 using the current Gentime form – BIMCO’s own standard dry cargo and line time charter party – as a framework for the ro-pax market.
Although Gentime is considered by its followers to be a well-written and comprehensive time charter, according to a written statement from BIMCO, the new document’s contents will be specifically designed for the ro-pax trade. It will incorporate aspects such as employment of restaurant and shop staff, provision of passenger catering, onboard accommodation facilities onboard, as well as the carriage of trucks and trailers on both car and weather decks.
BIMCO’s main aim is to facilitate the commercial operations of its membership by means of developing standard contracts and clauses, and providing information, advice and education.